FGF20 Human

FGF-20 is a protein composed of 217 amino acids with a molecular mass of approximately 24 kDa . It is typically expressed in the cerebellum, certain cancer cell lines, and nephron progenitors . The recombinant form of FGF-20 is produced in E. coli and often includes an N-terminal Met and a 6-His tag for purification purposes .

FGF-20 is known for its neurotrophic properties, meaning it supports the growth and survival of neurons . It is essential for the survival of dopaminergic neurons, which are critical in the central nervous system . FGF-20 interacts with various fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs), including FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, and FGFR4, with different affinities .

FGF-20 plays a pivotal role in the development of the central nervous system and is involved in the morphogenesis of hair follicle dermal condensate . It is also required to maintain nephron progenitor competence in response to Wnt signaling, and its loss of function can lead to premature differentiation and kidney agenesis in humans and mice .

Studies have shown that FGF-20 is upregulated by Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which is necessary for anchorage-independent cell growth . Additionally, FGF-20 has been implicated in various diseases, including depression disorders and Parkinson’s disease, due to its role in neuronal survival and function .

Recombinant human FGF-20 is widely used in research to study its effects on cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. It has been shown to induce the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells into dopaminergic neurons, which has potential therapeutic implications for neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s disease .

In vitro studies have demonstrated that FGF-20 enhances the survival of cultured ventral mesencephalic dopaminergic neurons and provides protection against toxin-induced damage . This makes it a promising candidate for developing treatments aimed at neuroprotection and regeneration.